ANNEX...2.1 Revenue administration and public financial management a) Priorities In the area of...

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EN

ANNEX

Regulation (EU) No 2017/825 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 May

2017, on the establishment of the Structural Reform Support Programme, as amended

by Regulation (EU) 2018/1671

Work Programme for Greece for 2020 –

amounts transferred under Article 11 of the Structural Reform Support Programme

Regulation

Part I - The Structural Reform Support Programme

1. Introduction

Regulation (EU) No 2017/825 as amended by Regulation (EU) 2018/1671 (the Structural

Reform Support Programme Regulation) set up the Structural Reform Support Programme,

with the general objective of contributing "to institutional, administrative and growth-

sustaining structural reforms in the Member States by providing support to national

authorities [...]".1

This support is intended to help reform and strengthen institutions, governance and public

administration, as well as to assist with the implementation of reforms in economic and social

sectors in response to economic and social challenges, all with a view to enhancing cohesion,

competitiveness, productivity, sustainable growth, job creation, investment and social

inclusion and to contributing to real convergence in the Union. It may also prepare for

participation in the euro area, in particular in the context of economic governance processes,

including through assistance for the efficient, effective and transparent use of the Union

funds.2

In accordance with Article 11 of the Structural Reform Support Programme Regulation, the

Programme may be financed through additional voluntary contributions from Member States.

The additional contributions may consist of contributions from resources provided for

technical support at the initiative of the Member States under Article 59 of Regulation (EU)

No 1303/20133 (Common Provision Regulation) and transferred pursuant to Article 25 of that

1 Regulation (EU) 2017/825 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 May 2017 on the

establishment of the Structural Reform Support Programme for the period 2017 to 2020 and amending

Regulations (EU) No 1303/2013 and (EU) No 1305/2013 (OJ L 129, 19.05.2017, p. 1.), as amended by

Regulation (EU) No 2018/1671 (OJ L 129, 19.5.2017, p. 1–16). 2 Regulation (EU) 2017/825 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 May 2017 on the

establishment of the Structural Reform Support Programme for the period 2017 to 2020 and amending

Regulations (EU) No 1303/2013 and (EU) No 1305/2013, as amended by Regulation (EU) 2018/1671 (OJ L

129, 19.5.2017, p. 1–16), Art. 4. 3 Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 laying

down common provisions on the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund, the

Cohesion Fund, the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the European Maritime and

Fisheries Fund and laying down general provisions on the European Regional Development Fund, the

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Regulation, which shall be used to support actions which contribute to delivering the Union

strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth in line with Article 11 of the Structural

Reform Support Programme Regulation.

By letter of 30 January 2020, Greece requested the transfer of EUR 5 000 000 from their

Technical Assistance Operational Programme to the Commission. Pursuant to Article 25 of

the Common Provisions Regulation, the transfer was accompanied by a proposal to amend the

Technical Assistance Operational Programme. By Decision C(2020)2006, adopted on 27

March 20204, the Commission amended the Decision approving the Technical Assistance

Operational Programme to take into account the Greek request.

In the context of the transfer request, Greece submitted to the Directorate General for

Structural Reform Support (former Structural Reform Support Service) 13 requests for the

provision of technical support under Article 11 of the Structural Reform Support Programme

Regulation. The requests, and the underlying reforms concerned, are considered important

also for the recovery of the Greek economy in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Furthermore, they cover some of the areas most impacted during the pandemic, such as

eGovernment, education and health.

The requests, following clarifications where needed, were analysed in terms of their eligibility

and compliance with the criteria and principles set out in Article 7(2) and Article 11 of the

Structural Reform Support Programme Regulation. This assessment also took into account

whether actions to be implemented under the Structural Reform Support Programme

overlapped with those implemented under other Union instruments in Greece, in particular

with measures financed by Union funds, with a view to avoiding double funding and ensuring

complementarity.

As a result of this exercise, 13 requests are being proposed for funding. In accordance with

Article 7(2) of the Structural Reform Support Programme Regulation, the Commission should

come to an agreement with Greece on the priority areas, the objectives, an indicative timeline,

the scope of the support measures to be provided and the estimated global financial

contribution for such support. These elements, reflected in a Cooperation and Support Plan for

Greece, provide the basis of this Work Programme.

In the course of the implementation of the support measures ensuing from the selected

requests, it is possible that such support measures, and the corresponding amounts initially

allocated to them, would need to be adjusted to reflect the prevailing circumstances in relation

to the relevant needs through appropriate reprogramming. Moreover, the implementation of

the support measures concerned would also duly take into account, within the regulatory

framework, adjustments needs arising in the context of Greece’s response to the Covid-19

pandemic and the recovery from its economic impact.

In the event of remaining funds due to reprogramming, withdrawals of requests or

cancellations of support measures, Greece may request additional support relating to its

European Social Fund, the Cohesion Fund and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund and repealing

Council Regulation (EC) No 1083/2006 (OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 320.). 4 Commission Implementing Decision amending Implementing Decision C(2014) 10190 approving certain

elements of the operational programme "Technical Assistance" for support from the European Regional

Development Fund, the European Social Fund and the Cohesion Fund under the "Investment for growth and

jobs" goal in Greece CCI 2014GR16Μ3ΤΑ001.

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Growth Plan for the Economy5 or equivalent plan, and the National Reform Programme

6,

subject to the relevant Commission’s assessment.

2. Priority areas for intervention

In accordance with Article 5(2) of the Structural Reform Support Programme Regulation, the

technical support in relation to structural reforms may relate, inter alia, to the following broad

public policy areas:

(a) public financial and asset management, budget process, debt management and revenue

administration;

(b) institutional reform and efficient and service-oriented functioning of public

administration, at both central and local levels including, where appropriate, through the

digitalisation of procedures, simplification of rules, effective rule of law, reform of the justice

system and reinforcement of the fight against fraud, corruption and money laundering;

(c) business environment (including for small and medium-sized enterprises), re-

industrialisation, private sector development, investment, public participation in enterprises,

privatisation processes, trade and foreign direct investment, competition and public

procurement, sustainable sectoral development and support for innovation and digitalisation;

(d) education and training; labour market policies, including social dialogue, for the creation

of jobs; the fight against poverty; the promotion of social inclusion; social security and social

welfare systems; public health and health care systems; as well as cohesion, asylum,

migration and border policies;

(e) policies for implementing climate action, promoting energy efficiency and achieving

energy diversification, as well as for the agricultural sector, fisheries and the sustainable

development of rural areas; and

(f) financial sector policies, including the promotion of financial literacy, financial stability,

access to finance and lending to the real economy; the production, provision and quality

monitoring of data and statistics; and policies aimed at combating tax evasion.

Against this background, the priorities for support measures under Article 11 of the Structural

Reform Support Programme Regulation have been set on the basis of the requests for support,

proposed by Greece for funding. In the event of remaining funds due to reprogramming,

withdrawals of requests or cancellations of support measures, Greece may request additional

support relating to its Growth Plan for the Economy or equivalent plan, and the National

Reform Programme. The selection of additional requests will be subject to the relevant

Commission’s assessment.

Overall, the priorities reflect 5 of the areas set out in Article 5(2) of the Structural Reform

Support Programme Regulation and are as follows:

5 https://primeminister.gr/2020/01/16/22930

6 National Reform Programme 2020: https://ec.europa.eu/info/sites/info/files/2020-european-semester-

national-reform-programme-greece_el.pdf

https://primeminister.gr/2020/01/16/22930

https://ec.europa.eu/info/sites/info/files/2020-european-semester-national-reform-programme-greece_el.pdf

https://ec.europa.eu/info/sites/info/files/2020-european-semester-national-reform-programme-greece_el.pdf

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Revenue Administration and Public Financial Management

The Structural Reform Support Programme will support measures in particular, in relation to

revenue administration.

Governance and Public Administration

The Structural Reform Support Programme will support measures in particular in the field of

digitalisation and eGovernment.

Growth, Business Environment and Sectoral Issues

The Structural Reform Support Programme will support measures in particular in the fields of

sustainable sectoral development and innovation, trade and foreign direct investment, as well

as industrial development.

In the event of remaining funds due to reprogramming, withdrawals of requests or

cancellations of support measures, the Structural Reform Support Programme may also

support measures relating to Greece’s Growth Plan for the Economy or equivalent plan, and

the National Reform Programme, subject to a request by the Greek authorities and the

relevant assessment and selection for funding by the Commission.

Labour Market, Health and Social Services

The Structural Reform Support Programme will support measures in particular in the fields of

health care systems, education, training and labour markets, as well as asylum, migration and

border policies.

Financial Sector and Access to Finance

The Structural Reform Support Programme will support measures in particular in the field of

capital market development.

The above priorities for intervention are detailed in the following sections.

2.1 Revenue administration and public financial management

a) Priorities

In the area of revenue administration Greece requested the continuation of support to

improve the operationalisation, structures and processes of the Independent Authority for

Public Revenue, which was set up with technical support in 2017. The requested continuation

of support is linked to ongoing reforms which commenced on the basis of commitments

undertaken under the European Stability Mechanism support programme and are now part of

the Enhanced surveillance framework.

In particular, Greece has requested support for enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of

the Independent Authority for Public Revenue in specific priority areas, including the area of

modernisation and upgrading of taxpayer services, with the view to increasing taxpayers

compliance, in the area of tax audits with the view to reinforcing the fight against tax evasion

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and tax avoidance, in the area of human resources management, with the view to preparing

and implementing a new human resources management system and in the area of customs

administration, with the view to enhancing the fight against smuggling of excisable goods,

including intelligence analysis and reinforced control techniques.

b) Objectives pursued

The support measures in the field of revenue administration aim at assisting the authorities in

modernising and improving the core functions of the revenue administration. Moreover, the

support measures aim to help the Independent Authority for Public Revenue in increasing its

overall capacity through the development of its capacity in the area of tax audit and customs,

the modernization of taxpayer services, as well as the implementation of modern human

resources policies.

c) Expected results

In the area of revenue administration, the interlinked support measures are expected to

contribute to the effective implementation of the transformation process of the Independent

Authority for Public Revenue, reducing the tax gap and increasing revenue collection. The

support measure in the area of taxpayer services will standardise and streamline the

procedures, will improve the capabilities of the call centre, will tailor and target the customer

services in order to improve voluntary compliance. The audit related measures will strengthen

the capacity of the Independent Authority for Public Revenue to tackle tax fraud, avoidance

and evasion by application of indirect audit methods and targeting permanent establishments.

The Human Resources management measures are expected to improve the staff performance,

to create new career paths and incentives for the employees, to improve the services provided

to the employees, and reduce the administrative burden. These measures will also enhance the

capacity of the Independent Authority for Public Revenue in the area of customs, through

implementing an anti-smuggling strategy and better regulation, strengthening the analytical

and investigation capabilities of the customs officers and the mobile units.

2.2 Governance and public administration

a) Priorities

In the area of digitalisation and e-government, Greece continues to pursue digital

transformation, as the country still ranks low on the Digital Economy and Society Index7. The

digital transformation of a government is a key element for the success of the Single Market;

helping to remove existing digital barriers, reduce administrative burdens and improve the

quality of interactions with the government8.

7 The Digital Economy and Society Index is a composite index that summarises relevant indicators on

Europe’s digital performance and tracks the evolution of EU member states in digital competitiveness.

https://ec.europa.eu/digital-single-market/en/desi. 8 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and

Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions: EU eGovernment Action Plan 2016-2020 Accelerating

the digital transformation of government (COM(2016) 179 final). https://ec.europa.eu/digital-single-market/en/european-egovernment-action-plan-2016-2020.

https://ec.europa.eu/digital-single-market/en/desi

https://ec.europa.eu/digital-single-market/en/european-egovernment-action-plan-2016-2020

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The government established a Digital Transformation Strategy 2019-2023. Responsible for

the co-ordination of the strategy's implementation is the Ministry of Digital Governance and

various General Secretariats within, one of them being the General Secretariat of Information

Systems of Public Administration (the Secretariat General).

The support will focus on developing a central e-government portal to facilitate access to

information and services provided by the government, transforming the Secretariat General

into an ICT service provider for the public sector, building its software quality assessment

capacity, as well as expanding the interoperability centre as a hub for the public sector.


The aim of the support measures in the area of digitalisation and e-government are to

enhance Greece's capacity to accelerate the digitalisation of the public administration and

ultimately its transformation into a more efficient, agile and transparent public service.

c) Expected results

It is expected that the measure in the area of digitalisation and e-government will contribute

to better organized and performant IT services, enhanced interoperability within the public

administration and cost reduction by utilizing digital mechanisms. Moreover, this will enable

the public administration to provide better access to information and to deliver enhanced e-

services to citizens.

2.3 Growth, business environment and sectoral issues

a) Priorities

The improvement of the investment climate remains a key priority for Greece. The country

continues to advance further reforms that would support the country’s return to sustainable

growth, help attract investments and create jobs.

In particular, Greece has requested support for the implementation of reforms with the aim of

enhancing trade and foreign direct investment, where funds will support an ongoing all-

encompassing reform aiming to create a more coordinated approach regarding the outward

orientation of the economy and through that promote exports and attract more foreign direct

investments. Additionally, funds will support sustainable sectoral development and

innovation, aiming to promote Greece as a global logistics and value added services hub,

restructure the railway system in Greece and reform the higher education policy in the area of

tourism, with a view to address existing skill gaps.

Moreover, part of the funds will support the revision of the regulatory framework for

industrial parks with a view to boost industrial development, improve social and regional

cohesion, protect the environment and contribute to a rationalized spatial planning and

improve business environment and contribute to growth.

Support may also be requested in relation to Greece’s Growth Plan for the Economy or

equivalent plan and the National Reform Programme, in the event of remaining funds due to

reprogramming, withdrawals of requests or cancellations of support measures. The Growth

Plan or equivalent plan, as well as the National Reform Programme, set out medium term

priorities as regards the development of the Greek economy and priority areas of reforms

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respectively. The selection for funding of possible additional requests will be subject to the

relevant Commission’s assessment.


With a view to further improving the investment climate, the support measures to be put in

place aim inter alia at helping Greece with its reform efforts to attract high quality

investment, to promote trade and exports and to boost sectoral development and innovation.

In particular, in the area of trade and foreign direct investment, measures aim at enhancing

the national strategy for the promotion of exports and foreign direct investment, as well, as

enhancing state structures and the coordination amongst them in order to implement the

strategy and develop more effective instruments to support it.

With a view to boost sustainable sectoral development and innovation, activities will pursue

the promotion of Greece as a global logistics and value added services hub by providing the

authorities with an evidence-based narrative of policy options. As regards the restructuring of

the railway sector, measures will aim at improving the capacity of the state to plan and

implement efficiently railway infrastructure projects. Measures to support the reform of the

higher education system in the area of tourism, will aim at redesigning national tourism

education policy as well as setting up a national tourism university.

As regards the area of industrial development, measures will include recommendations for

the improvement of the regulatory framework for Industrial Parks, taking into account crucial

environmental and land use parameters, in order to render them more attractive to businesses.

Possible measures in relation to the Growth Plan for the Economy or equivalent plan and the

National Reform Programme would aim at supporting the Greek authorities in enhancing the

development of the economy, as well as implementing reforms in the identified priority areas.

c) Expected results

In the area of trade and foreign direct investment, the different support measures are

expected to, inter alia, help increase trade and in particular exports and attract more foreign

direct investments.

As regards sustainable sectoral development and innovation it is expected that that the Greek

authorities will be provided with clear policy options in order to develop Greece as a regional

gateway and logistics hub. As regards the restructuring of the railway sector, measures are

expected to lead to an enhanced capacity for a more effective planning and timely

implementation of railway projects. As regards higher education in the area of tourism,

measures are expected to increase employment in this sector, while having a positive spill

over effect on several other sectors of the economy, both at a national and local level and,

therefore, promoting territorial and social cohesion.

Measures relating to the area of industrial development aim at the elaboration of an informed

proposal for the overhaul of the current regulatory and legal framework for the development

of business parks, that would significantly boost their attractiveness to businesses.

Possible support measures in relation to the Growth Plan for the Economy or equivalent plan,

and the National Reform Programme would be expected to assist the Greek authorities in

achieving the identified national priorities as regards the development of the economy and

necessary reforms.

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2.4 Labour market, health and social services

a) Priorities

In line with the commitment under the European Stability Mechanism support programme,

continuing under the Enhanced surveillance framework, the Structural Reform Support

Programme will support the Greek authorities in the field of labour market policies. In

particular, support will be provided for the modernization of law enforcement and extra-

judicial labour dispute resolutions contributing to a stable labour market. Part of the funding

will therefore be used to support measures as regards collective bargaining, through the

reform of the inspections and dispute resolution services framework, restructuring of the

relevant bodies, harmonising procedures and ensuring total impartiality. Measures will also

support evaluating and reforming the vocational education and training system of the public

employment service to ensure a better connection with the labour market, in line with the

2019 European Council Country Specific Recommendations for Greece9.

In the area of education, the fragmentation of the financing as regards Greek primary and

secondary education remains an obstacle for an efficient and fair allocation of resources.

Funding is channelled through multiple sources, including other ministries and institutions,

lacking coordination. Part of the funds will therefore support the review of primary and

secondary education funding, preparing the ground for school autonomy.

In the area of public health and health care systems, the implementation of a centralised

procurement system has been a commitment under the European Stability Mechanism support

programme and remains so under the Enhanced Surveillance Programme, which includes

health procurement targets up to 2021. Therefore part of the funding will support the

transformation of the national central health procurement agency (EKAPY), which has been

operational since 2018, into an independent body with enhanced efficiency and flexibility,

increasing the quality of public health services, while creating certainty for suppliers in the

market.

Improving the reception conditions for asylum seekers in Greece is part of the EU priority in

the area of asylum, migration and border management. The provision of dignified standards

of living for applicants for international protection constitutes a core pillar in the Common

European Asylum System (CEAS). Individuals, regardless of the Member State in which their

application for international protection is made, should be offered an equivalent level of

treatment as regards reception conditions. Moreover, it is important to support the integration

of asylum applicants, including access to the labour market. Greece’s reception system has

faced particular pressure over the past few years, with a rise in migratory flows again in 2020.

Part of the funding will therefore support the authorities in implementing their new national

reception strategy and taking over the Emergency Support to Integration and Accommodation

(ESTIA) programme, currently run by non-state actors.

9 Recommendation for a COUNCIL RECOMMENDATION on the 2019 National Reform Programme of

Greece and delivering a Council opinion on the 2019 Stability Programme of Greece, COM/2019/508

https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?qid=1560258207473&uri=CELEX%3A52019DC0508

https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?qid=1560258207473&uri=CELEX%3A52019DC0508

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The support measures in the area of labour market policies aim to contribute to reviewing the

institutional framework for individual and collective dispute resolutions based on social

dialogue and international comparative practices. In particular, measures will support the

authorities in the design of the operational framework, internal regulations and a code of

professional conduct of the relevant bodies in line with European standards, as well as with

capacity building activities for all relevant stakeholders. The support measures also aim at

assisting the public employment service in upgrading vocational education and training

system services by (i) improving quality and labour market relevance of vocational education

and training systems through an evidence-based approach; and (ii) enhancing the capacity of

the Greek authorities to provide relevant and adequate active labour market policies measures.

The measures in the area of education, aim at providing for more transparency as regards

funding criteria and final budget allocation, coordinated planning and monitoring of the

budgetary process, while increasing the level of accountability of the funding bodies, thus

promoting efficient public spending. Specifically, the authorities will be supported in (i) the

development of a strategic planning on the basis of a relevant mapping of current funding

flows and implemented funding criteria, leading to recommendations and proposals for

coherent funding criteria and formula, (ii) restructuring the management of financial flows

through the development of a regular reporting process, including administrative, legislative

and financial rules and internal monitoring procedures, as well as (iii) the development of an

open digital platform accessible to citizens, to enhance transparency of the management of

funding flows.

In the area of public health and health care systems support will focus on detailing and

implementing the transformation of the national central health procurement agency to

improve its efficiency, effectiveness, capabilities and flexibility, while further extending its

scope of activities. Specifically, building on previous support, measures such as (i)

streamlining and adjusting processes and demand planning, (ii) development of an HR

strategy and job descriptions, as well as further recruitment and capacity building of

specialized staff, (iii) development of management tools and the introduction of quality

controls (iv) elaboration of a supply chain management strategy aim at rendering the agency

and ultimately the health care system more efficient while reducing public spending.

The support to the Greek authorities in the area of asylum, migration and border

management aims at assisting in the take over by the state authorities of the Emergency

Support to Integration and Accommodation programme to efficiently provide for asylum

seekers and refugees with the necessary accommodation and tools for their integration, as

well as access to the labour market, while rendering the reception process overall more

efficient. In particular, support will be provided for designing and establishing effective

administrative working methods through (i) elaborating standard operating procedures,

guidance and recommendation manuals, (ii) the development of monitoring tools for the new

accommodation scheme and cash assistance programme, as well as (iii) building capacity

through on the job coaching, trainings and seminars.

c) Expected results

In the area of labour market policies, the support measures, within a process of safeguarded

social dialogue, are expected to contribute to modernising the processes and organisation

structures both for labour law enforcement and extra-judicial labour dispute resolutions.

Additionally, support is expected to increase the quality of training, as part of the ongoing

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active labour market policy reform; in particular, by developing a standard methodology for

evaluating the vocational education and training structures, improving capacity for evidence-

based policy-making, modernising the training programmes and increasing the employability

of the graduates.

In the area of education, it is expected that the measures will lead to a more efficient and fair

allocation of resources. Specifically, the support should result in a coordinated, transparent

and streamlined budget process, as well as coherent funding criteria, providing for a basis to

facilitate further important reform priorities of the Ministry and support higher quality and

education for all.

The measures in the area of public health and health care systems, are expected to support

the transition of the national central health procurement agency into an efficient, flexible and

focused private sector entity, centrally managing and optimizing public healthcare sourcing,

procurement, supply chain and logistics, while supporting the reach of its health procurement

targets up to 2021.

In the area of asylum, migration and border management, the support measures are expected

to assist in the successful and timely implementation of the new reception strategy, according

to national priorities in the field of international protection, including the takeover of the

Emergency Support to Integration and Accommodation programme by the Greek authorities.

Moreover, it is expected that the measures will enhance the living conditions of asylum

seekers and consequently their better integration to the society, including access to the labour

market.

2.5 Financial sector and access to finance

a) Priorities

Member States across the European Union, including Greece, are seeking to support the

development of their local capital markets, as a means of enhancing access to finance and

fostering the development of their economies. However the Greek capital market remains less

developed in comparison to those of EU peers. Funding will therefore support further access

to finance, through the development of a strategy for capital markets.


The support measures in the area of improving access to finance in Greece aim at assisting

the Ministry of Finance in defining its Capital Market Union strategy by implementing a

detailed assessement of the Hellenic Capital Market, setting out a relevant strategy and action

plan including the promotion of this strategy.

c) Expected results

The production and the implementation of the future Hellenic Capital Market strategy will

enable the development and improvement of alternative means for financing start-ups and

SMEs with a view to contributing to the ongoing recovery of the banking system, thus

improve access to finance.

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3. Overview of the allocation of financial resources

In conclusion, and as explained in Part II, based on the requests for support received,

analysed, and selected for funding, the allocation of financial resources for support measures

by thematic area is summarised in the following table:

(a) Revenue

administration

and public

financial

management

(b) Governance

and public

administration

(c) Growth and

business

environment

(d) Labour

market, health

and social

services

(e) Financial

sector and

access to

finance

Total (EUR)

TOTAL (EUR) 550,000 350,000 1,775,000 1,975,000 350,000 5,000,000

1) Public procurement 0 350,000 850,000 375,000 0 1,575,000

2) Indirect management 550,000 0 925,000 1,600,000 350,000 3,425,000

Part II – Actions to be financed

1. Introduction

On the basis of the objectives given in Regulation (EU) 2017/825 of the European Parliament

and of the Council of 17 May 2017 on the establishment of the Structural Reform Support

Programme for the period 2017 to 2020 and amending Regulations (EU) No 1303/2013 and

(EU) 1305/2013, as amended by Regulation (EU) 2018/1671 of the European Parliament and

of the Council of 23 October 2018 to increase the financial envelope of the Structural Reform

Support Programme and adapt its general objective, this work programme contains the actions

to be financed and the budget breakdown for the year 2020 as follows:

a) for procurement (implemented under direct management) (point 2): EUR 1 575 000,

b) for actions implemented under indirect management (point 3): EUR 3 425 000

Legal basis

Regulation (EU) 2017/825 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 May 2017

on the establishment of the Structural Reform Support Programme for the period 2017 to

2020 and amending Regulations (EU) No 1303/2013 and (EU) 1305/2013 (OJ L 129,

19.5.2017, p. 1), as amended by Regulation (EU) 2018/1671 of the European Parliament and

of the Council of 23 October 2018 to increase the financial envelope of the Structural

Reform Support Programme and adapt its general objective (OJ L 284/3, 12.11.2018, p. 3).

Budget line

(a) budget line 04 02 63 02: EUR 1 241 852;

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(b) budget line 13 03 65 02: EUR 2 763 274;

(c) budget line 13 04 61 02: EUR 994 874

2. Procurement

The overall budgetary allocation reserved for procurement contracts in 2020 amounts to EUR

1 575 000.

2.1. Procurement activities for the implementation of the Structural Reform Support

Programme in Greece further to Article 11 of Regulation (EU) No 2017/825 as

amended by Regulation (EU) 2018/1671

Subject matter of the contracts envisaged (study /technical assistance /evaluation /survey

/information technology /communication services/etc.)

Based on Greek request, specific technical support projects will be undertaken in the policy

areas referred to in Article 5(2) of the Regulation (EU) 2017/825 of the European

Parliament and of the Council of 17 May 2017 on the establishment of the Structural

Support Reform Programme for the period 2017 to 2020 and amending Regulations (EU)

No 1303/2013 and (EU) 1305/2013, as amended by Regulation (EU) 2018/1671 of the

European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2018 to increase the financial

envelope of the Structural Reform Support Programme and adapt its general objective. The

contracts may, inter alia, be used for studies, provision of technical assistance, carrying out

surveys, etc.

Those projects will assist the Greek authorities in preparing and implementing growth-

enhancing administrative and structural reforms. The contracts will serve the priorities and

objectives referred to in Part I.

Type of contract:

(1) direct contracts

(2) specific contracts based on existing framework contracts, including Multiple

Framework Contracts for the provision of technical support to Member States.

Indicative number of contracts envisaged: 5

Indicative timeframe for launching the procurement procedure

Q3 2020 - Q2 2021

Implementation

Directly by DG REFORM

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In case the actions set out for implementation through public procurement (direct

management) cannot be implemented under this delivery method, due to circumstances

outside of the control of the European Commission, they will be implemented through

indirect management in accordance with the criteria set out in section 3 (Actions implemented

in indirect management).

3. Actions implemented in indirect management

The global budgetary envelope reserved for indirect management under this work programme

is EUR 3 425 000.

It includes agreements to be signed with entities selected on the base of the criteria indicated

in this Financing Decision to the extent that the current provisions and framework agreements

allow the conclusion of agreements under indirect management.

In line with the Financial Regulation the following activities will be implemented under the

indirect management mode in view of the type of the implementing entity. Entities which

have undergone an ex ante (/pillar-) assessment of their procedures and systems, guaranteeing

a level of protection of the EU financial interests equivalent to that guaranteed by the

Commission in direct management will act under indirect management for the tasks they will

undertake to implement the actions.

3.1. Contribution/delegation agreements to support Structural Reforms in the area of

Public Financial Management and Revenue administration

Criteria for selecting an implementing entity

Article 110 (3) (f) of the Financial Regulation provides for setting out of the criteria for

selecting an entity in the Financing Decision. The criteria to be used for selecting an

implementing entity, considering the nature of the action, are as follows:

1. The entity satisfies the requirements set out in Article 154 (4) of the Financial

Regulation. When the entities concerned comply only partially with Article 154 (4) of

the Financial Regulation, the Commission shall take appropriate supervisory measures

as provided for in Article 154 (5) of the Financial Regulation;

2. The entity’s financial and operational capacity is adequate;

3. The entity has specific knowledge and recognised competencies in the relevant field;

4. The entity has extensive experience and leadership in the domain; and

5. The entity is active in the subject area in the European Union or in any other European

country.

Description

The objectives pursued and expected results for the actions are those of point 2.1 of Part I.

The actions that can be financed through indirect management are outlined in Article 6 of

the Regulation (EU) 2017/825 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 May

2017 on the establishment of the Structural Reform Support Programme for the period 2017

to 2020 and amending Regulations (EU) No 1303/2013 and (EU) 1305/2013 (OJ L 129,


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Reform Support Programme and adapt its general objective (OJ L 284, 12.11.2018, p. 3).

3.2. Contribution/delegation agreements to support Structural Reforms in the

Growth, Business Environment and Sectoral Issues













country.

Description










Labour market, Education, Health and Social Services




implementing entity, considering the nature of the action are as follows:


Regulation. When the entities concerned comply only partially with Article 154 (4)

of the Financial Regulation, the Commission shall take appropriate supervisory

measures as provided for in Article 154 (5) of the Financial Regulation;


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3. The entity has, specific knowledge and recognised competencies in the relevant

field;

4. The entity has extensive experience and leadership in the domain;

5. The entity is active in the subject area in the European Union or in any other

European country.

Description










Financial Sector and Access to Finance













country.

Description









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3.5. Alternative management mode

In case the actions referred to under section 3 “Actions implemented in indirect management”

and described under sections 2.1., 2.3., 2.4. and 2.5. cannot be implemented under that

management mode, due to circumstances outside of the control of the European Commission

(e.g. not revised framework agreement), they will be implemented through a grant under

direct management and subject to the maximum rate of co-financing of 100% of the eligible

costs.

Type of applicants targeted by the direct award

Direct grants may be awarded to international organisations (to the extent that the current

provisions and framework agreements allow the conclusion of grant agreements),

International Financial Institutions (IFI), non-pillar-assessed United Nations Organizations,

Member-State ministries and public bodies, non-for-profit international or European

expertise associations and networks, agencies and other bodies with a public service

mission, private bodies, which, in view of the nature of the action, have specific and

recognised competencies, experience and leadership, high degree of specialisation or

administrative power in the areas described under sections 2.1., 2.3., 2.4. and 2.5. Direct

grants may be awarded also to entities which are in a de jure or de facto monopoly

position.

Description of the activities to be funded by the grant awarded without a call for proposals on

the basis of Article 195 of the Financial Regulation

Support will be provided to carry out, inter alia, the following activities:

(a) expertise related to policy advice, diagnosing reform needs, policy change,

formulation of strategies and reform roadmaps, as well as legislative, institutional,

structural and administrative reforms;

(b) the provision of experts, including resident experts, for a short or a long period, to

perform tasks in specific domains or to carry out operational activities, where

necessary with interpretation, translation and cooperation support, administrative

assistance and infrastructure and equipment facilities;

(c) institutional, administrative or sectoral capacity building and related supporting

actions at all governance levels, also contributing to the empowerment of civil

society, as appropriate;

(d) collection of data and statistics, development of common methodologies and,

indicators or benchmarks development of a framework for the collection and

processing of administrative data as well as the strengthening of analytical

capacities and tools to design, implement, monitor and evaluate policies;

(e) studies, research, analyses and surveys, evaluations and impact assessments, and the

development and publication of guides, reports and educational material;

(f) IT capacity building: expertise related to development, maintenance, operation and

quality control of the IT infrastructure and applications needed to implement the

reforms, as well as expertise related to programmes geared towards digitalisation in

the fields described under sections 2.1., 2.3., 2.4. and 2.5.;

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(g) organisation of seminars, conferences and workshops; in almost all areas of activity;

seminars and workshop will prove fundamental for exchanges of views on the

situation for testing ideas and for presentation of outcomes;

(h) organisation of study visits to relevant Member States [or third countries];

(i) training actions and the development of online or other training modules;

(j) communication projects for learning, cooperation, awareness raising, dissemination

activities and the exchange of good practices; organisation of awareness-raising and

information campaigns, media campaigns and events, including corporate

communication and general communication.

Implementation

Directly by the DG REFORM

In such cases, the applications will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

Grant beneficiaries will demonstrate their financial capacity by proving that they have

stable and sufficient sources of funding to maintain their activity during the period of the

grant.

Operational capacity will be assessed based on thematic experience in the policy field

linked to the action.

In accordance with Article 198 (5) of the Financial Regulation, the financial capacity of

those beneficiaries that are public bodies or international organisations will not be verified.

The award of grants without a call for proposals in accordance with Article 195 (c) or (f) of

the Financial Regulation will be justified in the award decision. The potential beneficiary

will be invited to submit an application, which will be evaluated according the following

main award criteria:

The extent to which the proposed action is in line with the objectives pursued and the

extent to which the proposed outputs present added value in this context; and

The financial quality of the proposal including a reasonable and realistic budget as well

as a sound cost-efficiency ratio.

ANNEX...2.1 Revenue administration and public financial management a) Priorities In the area of...

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